It's Gen Z's Turn: The Future Workforce is Here

How can I narrow the generational divide and connect with my Gen Z colleagues? Many of my clients appreciate the fresh energy and innovative ideas Gen Z brings to the workplace. But how to work together as a team? That's the big question.

Let's face it: Gen Z is rewriting the rules. They're digitally fluent, champions of social inclusion, and they possess an entrepreneurial spirit that's reshaping the workplace landscape. By 2025 they'll compose a whopping 31% of the workforce– a force we can't and shouldn’t ignore.

It’s time to redraft the narrative around Gen Z at work. Our pandemic and post-pandemic workplaces opened the floodgates for misunderstanding around the experiences of Gen Z-ers at work. As a workplace strategist (and as the mother of a Gen Z son in the workforce), I've witnessed this misunderstanding in a series of vexing dilemmas facing both employers and employees.?

I'm here to offer reassurance. We can cross generational divides with empathy and appreciation in a way that benefits everyone, from every generation.

In this article, I'll explore what makes Gen Z so distinctive and why. I'll cover the essentials of a work environment that embraces their strengths and fosters a cohesive workplace. With a little understanding and effort, we can create workplaces that align with Gen Z needs and values– the futures of our organizations depend on it.

Who is Gen Z, and how are they different from previous generations??

Assigning an identity to a generation seems all too formulaic, and even a bit cringe-worthy. But we've all been shaped and influenced by the social climate and circumstances of our times. There is no universal agreement on the precise years that define recent generations, but here's the breakdown I use.

Why Gen Z is unlike any other generation.

In the recent report Gen Z Rising: Attracting, Engaging, and Retaining the Workforce of the Future, The Conference Board nails the “why” of Gen Z's distinctiveness. Let’s take a closer look.

The first true digital citizens: Unlike those of us who witnessed the rise of the internet, smartphones, apps, and social media, Gen Z-ers were born into a world where these tools were already the norm. For them, tech is natural, and inherent, and has shaped every aspect of their lives.

Influencer generation: Gen Z-ers?grew up influencing– and being influenced by– online ideas, people, and social movements with a global reach and impact. As leaders and followers of digital social culture, they use social platforms to create and consume, to express approval and disapproval (including about work), for pleasure, and for activism. Quite directly– and with an ease that older generations may not relate to– Gen Z participates in and shapes the social narratives and values of their time.

Mental health awareness generation:?Deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing geopolitical and economic instability, it's no wonder this generation is sensitive to mental health. Burnout, anxiety, and work-life balance are very real, and as employers, very important to address.

Most racially diverse generation: According to The Conference Board, Gen Z in the United States is 48 percent white, 24 percent Hispanic, 13 percent Black, 5 percent Asian, and 10 percent identifies as other. Compare this with the Baby Boomer generation in the United States, which is?68 percent white. This is the time to double down on– not dismantle– DEI and other organizational imperatives that combat systemic racism and address bias. Gen Z’s racial diversity opens doors to redressing structural inequities at work and beyond.

Speak up and out generation: Raised during the birth of transformative social movements and political divisiveness that have changed our world, members of Gen Z are empowered to shake up the workplace status quo when it comes to inclusion, fairness, and justice. Consequently, their work radar is tuned for diversity, fair compensation and labor practices, environmental accountability, and policies and programs that support a spectrum of lifestyles and identities.

How to authentically engage Gen Z talent.

Ready to unlock a workplace where everyone thrives and your company skyrockets? The Conference Board has identified five key priorities for Gen Z in the workplace. By embracing these, we can create an environment that fuels success for all.?

1. Provide fair and adequate compensation. Though a percentage of Millennial and Gen Z workers report willingness to forgo a higher salary for things like workplace wellness, money still matters. Keep in mind they are starting their careers at a time of high inflation, jaw-dropping student loan debt, and a slowing economy. Do everything you can to offer competitive starting compensation and practice salary transparency.
2. Foster autonomy. Having autonomy at work means having agency over our work lives.?This generation does not wear busy-ness at work as a badge of honor– they desire balance and value life outside of work. Leverage the possibilities of remote work and/or flexible arrangements. Trust your employees to manage their time effectively and prioritize their well-being.
3. Support wellness. Gen Z-ers are ready to bolt if their overall wellness at work is threatened. According to a recent Lifesum survey, 71% of Millenial and Gen Z respondents would leave their current job for a toxic-free work culture that supports mental health and growth opportunities, which leads to my next point.
4. Create growth opportunities. Gen Z-ers are eager to learn and grow in their careers. Court their ambition with reverse mentoring (yes, that means you let them teach you!), learning opportunities, and regular, thoughtful feedback sessions. Emphasize the potential for growth, advancement, and participation within your organization, and the power of lifelong learning.
5. Embody purpose. Reflecting the imperative for fairness and justice, Gen Z-ers want to know how it shows up at their organizations. Mission and value statements only go so far– they want to see them applied in real life. Advance programs and policies that build sustainable positive change at work – for all.?

Conclusion: Embracing the future with Gen Z.

The growing number of Gen Z-ers at work can spark new possibilities and lead to a more dynamic and successful workplace.?Get curious and talk with your Gen Z colleagues and employees about changes they would like to see and why. Take it one step, effort, or initiative at a time.?

Generation Z is the future of work, and the future of work is here, now. As with all change, the choice to resist it or embrace it is yours.

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